Former Bok tighthead prop Richard Bands has been named in the Blue Bulls starting XV for their Vodacom Cup match against the Pumas in Witbank.

Bands played a vital role for the Bulls in last year’s Vodacom Super 12, but missed the entire Currie Cup with a knee injury. He has been on a fitness programme for the last week and hopes to play himself into the Bulls’ Super 14 team for their next match against the Highlanders on 11 March.

Fullback Riaan van der Bergh gets a full game to keep him sharp for the Super 14, while Chiliboy Ralepelle replaces Adriaan Strauss at hooker.

Winger Danwell Demas, midfielders Dries Scholtz and Rudi Coetzee and lock Adriaan Fondse all come in from the Super 14 squad, while winger Marius Delport is on the bench after his return from injury.